Kyle

My name is Kyle Funk And I am a mathematics, physics and biology tutor from the Los Angeles area. This spring I will receive my BS degree in mathematics from UCLA, and I plan on pursuing research in math in graduate school next year. I have always had a passion for helping others succeed in their academic endeavors. Even when I was taking courses like AP Calculus, Introductory College biology, and Calculus-based Physics, I found myself leading the study groups that I had formed with my friends. And this enthusiasm has continued with me into a more formal setting. I have experience tutoring math and science at the Math center at Moorpark College, where students were able to come and receive free help on their math and science related questions. I have take college level classes in Mathematics physics and biology, and I possess a deep understanding of these subjects, which allows me to provide better support in a few ways. First, I am able to provide insight on the more difficult problems one comes across in their studies. Second, I can explain concepts in multiple ways, which is a vital quality in a tutor for the times when a student is stuck on a particular part of a problem or concept. Finally, I am very adept at explaining why certain results or facts are true, rather than enforcing rote memorization.I truly believe that anyone can succeed in an academic setting; the only requirements are patience and dedication, which I do my best to inspire in the people that I tutor. I encourage discipline while keeping the atmosphere light and fun, often making jokes and having a good time while also working hard. I try to tutor all subjects so that the student can build an appreciation for why it is important, besides doing well of the upcoming test.

I sincerely believe that anyone can excel in an academic setting. Patience and determination can always bypass natural aptitude. My students and I work as a team with the goal of their mastery of the subject at hand.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

The first session I like to get to know my student. We'll talk about what the student feels they need to work on, we'll discuss their goals, and we'll try to figure out what student/tutor dynamic will be the most successful for them. This usually takes about twenty minutes, and I believe it to be vital for maximizing the effectiveness of upcoming sessions. We'll then dive into the coursework, allowing us to identify the specific areas where the student may be struggling. With all this in mind, at the end of the session, we will come up with a plan together for upcoming sessions. This involves choosing topics we want to cover, estimating how long each of these will take, and taking into account upcoming tests or quizzes with review sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best way to help a student become an independent learner is to provoke genuine interest in the subject. It provides them with internal motivation to actively pursue an understanding of the subject. There are several concrete ways to accomplish this. Providing applications of the subject to the real world can be an excellent way to inspire interest. The examples have to be real and interesting, not just contrived examples like those often found in a textbook. Another way is to encourage collaborative learning. I would also give the student a small assignment and encourage them to work on it with their friends.

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